San Diego County Seeks Funding for River Park

Last week, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to spend up to $500,000 to work with a consultant to identify funding options to implement the vision of the River Park. Funding is needed for land acquisitions, trail development, open space protection, habitat enhancement, and public outreach and education.

The San Diego River area is an historical, archaeological and biological treasure of statewide significance. Specifically, the area is the “Birthplace of California” and holds the key to the state’s heritage. With human inhabitants for over 10,000 years, the San Diego River Area has about 29 State Historic Landmarks, four National Historic Landmarks, three state parks, 20 local and municipal parks and public open spaces, as well as rich cultural resources. Today, the San Diego River Watershed is home to over 500,000 residents, including five Native American tribes, and at least 25 state and federally listed endangered and threatened plant and animal species.

The San Diego River Conservancy (SDRC) was established by the California Legislature to preserve, restore and enhance the San Diego River Area. The SDRC's mission to restore and conserve the San Diego River area is accomplished by:

1. Acquiring, managing and conserving land; and
2. Protecting or providing recreational opportunities, open space, wildlife species and habitat, wetlands, water quality, natural flood conveyance, historical/cultural resources, and educational opportunities.

One important SDRC goal is to build, in conjunction with partners, a River-long park and hiking trail stretching 52 miles from the River’s headwaters near Julian to the Pacific Ocean.

For more information, please read the source article by Elizabeth Ireland and visit the San Diego River Conservancy's website.